Abdul Gani also dismissed a theory that Sallehudin and Mohd Yusof had indeed opted for early retirement before the Altantunya murder trial but the timing of the case and the subsequent withdrawal of both DPPs gave the impression that they were resigning in protest.

Abdul Gani said his official response is available on the A-G's Chambers website at agc.gov.my

"I do not want to say anything more. My colleagues will be putting something up on our website. You can check and that will be our official stand."

At press time, the posting was not up.

Sources said Salehuddin had put in a request for optional retirement last week, and Mohd Yusof had done so earlier than that.

"They had planned to apply for early retirement for quite some time. It's the timing, their submitting their applications now coincided with some high-profile cases and investigations, leading to the rumours," added the sources.

Rumours had been in circulation that a number of senior officers from the A-G'sl Chambers have tendered their resignations as a result of their displeasure with Abdul Gani.

The unhappiness was allegedly over the handling of several cases being investigated and that which were handed over to the A-G's Chambers for further action.

Salehuddin was abruptly taken off from continuing with the prosecution of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial a day before the trial resumed.

Abdul Gani later explained the action was taken because Salehuddin was seen playing badminton with the trial judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasi